Foldable perforated changing pad

ABSTRACT

A foldable perforated changing pad may include a first panel. A foldable perforated changing pad may include a plurality of support elements. A foldable perforated changing pad may include a plurality of support connectors. A foldable perforated changing pad may include a plurality of pivot elements. A foldable perforated changing pad may include a first plurality of pivot connectors. A foldable perforated changing pad may include a second panel coupled to the first panel by the first plurality of pivot connectors. A foldable perforated changing pad may include permeable gaps. The plurality of support elements and plurality of support connectors, in combination, may form a reticulated structure. The foldable perforated changing pad pivot elements may be domed. The foldable perforated changing pad support elements may be arcuate. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a flat bottom surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority through the applicant's prior U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/395,866 entitled “Method of Makinga Cork Mat” filed on Aug. 8, 2022, which application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or maycontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the photocopy reproduction of the patent document orthe patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to changing pads, and more particularly,to a foldable perforated changing pad portion.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Changing pads have historically been flat such that excretory fluids,such as urine, typically disperses over or throughout (if absorbent) thepad or a pad layer and thereby increased the likelihood of the fluidcontacting the baby, its clothing, or both. This often resulted indiscomfort for the baby due to the wetness, and increased work for theone changing the baby, having to one or more of manage an uncomfortablebaby, wet clothing, a second change of clothing, and the like.Absorptive layers, while drawing wetness away from the baby, weretypically inadequate at ensuring a desired level of dryness.

It is well known that babies have demonstrated a susceptibility to colddiuresis during diaper changes. Cold-induced diuresis, or cold diuresis,can occur in humans after exposure to a mild hypothermic environment,such as a diaper being removed from a baby where the baby's skin comesinto a contact with fluid, such as urine. It is understood to be causedby the redirection of blood from the baby's extremities to the baby'score due to peripheral vasoconstriction, which can increase the fluidvolume in the baby's core. Overall, acute exposure to cold is thought toinduce a diuretic response due to an increased mean arterial pressure.The arterial cells of the kidneys sense the increase in blood pressureand signal the kidneys to excrete superfluous fluid in an attempt tostabilize the pressure. The kidneys increase urine production and fillthe bladder; when the bladder fills, the baby may then feel the urge tourinate.

Another problem that has typically been associated with traditionaldiaper changing pads is the lack of sterilization. When washing a padwith water, it has been suggested by the Food and Drug Administrationthat anything below 110 degrees Fahrenheit is not hot enough to ensurethe water can properly clean organic matter. Changing pads not conduciveto being washed in a washing machine often did not obtain watertemperature to reliably reach a point of sterilization. Further,changing pads have historically included material, such as cottonthreading that often became stained from urination or defecation overtime, could not easily fit into a dishwasher, were unable to stand up torepeated dishwasher or washing machine cleanings, or were inadequatelysterilized due to the lower water temperature of washing machines, whichis typically 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

A further problem with traditional changing pads is the absence of acombination of resulting relatively flat folded configuration with ahigh degree of comfort-inducing thickness. Pads typically either lackeda foldable design, leaving them in a less than flattened or relativelyflattened configuration, or included folds by way of sacrificingthickness, even including sewing cotton thread through the product toindicate its fold line. This latter process often resulted inintroducing a break in thickness to allow for folding. This break inthickness was typically substantial enough to compromise comfort.

Yet another disadvantage to current approaches involves the use of oneor more thin, non-perforated, hinge-like portions extending across theentirety of the changing pad. In addition to reducing comfort, thesethin extended elements, lacking perforation, permeability, or both,tended to retain and disperse fluid, at least across the length of thehinge like portion, and sometimes to other portions of the changing pad,the supporting surface, or both.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, theinstant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments a foldable perforated changing pad is placed on andin direct contact with the top surface of a liquid collecting layer suchthat the baby remains distal to and separated from fluids, such asurine, alleviating, at least in part, problems associated with colddiuresis induced urination during diaper changes.

In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad is made of adurable, flexible material, such as, for example, silicone, which canallow for improved sterilization, such as through repeated cleanings ina dishwasher. In some instances, the silicone has a combined shorehardness and thickness providing both comfort to the baby while alsosupporting the baby at a height sufficient to maintain separation fromliquids.

In some implementations, the folding of the changing pad, such as thefolding of one panel over another panel, is facilitated, at least inpart, but pivot points. Pivot points can include a pivot elementcombined with one or more pivot connectors connecting the pivot elementto at least two panels. In some instances. In some instances, the pivotpoints differ in one or more of size, shape, and thickness from otherelements and connectors of the perforated foldable perforated changingpad.

In some embodiments, the perforated foldable perforated changing pad isplaced between a baby and a liquid-separating layer, such as anabsorptive pad during the changing of the baby's diaper. This can reduceor prevent the baby coming in contact with fluids, such as urine, as itis dispersed on the liquid-separating layer.

In some instances, the perforated foldable perforated changing pad ismade of a material or materials that can withstand water temperaturesover 110 degrees, such as, for example, where the water temperature isin excess of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, thus providing for improved.sterilization.

Keeping the baby dry can, at least in part, alleviate problemsassociated with baby uncontrolled peeing, such as cold diuresis.

In some instances, the combination of silicone of selected shorehardness and thicknesses, permeable gaps, and pivot points, a changingpad is obtained that provides for one or more of durability, convenientflexibility and foldability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. foldabilitywhile also maintaining overall comfort for the baby.

In some instances, permeable gaps are of a size that both allow forunobstructed flow of urine through to the lower liquid-separating layerwhile also facilitating overall material pad strength surrounding thepermeable gaps.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includesmultiple panels connected by pivot points that include a pivot elementand pivot connector elements, which can provide for one or more offoldability for travel and portability. while maintaining overallcomfort and functionality. The pivot points can allow the outer panelsto easily fold inward over the middle panel. The pivot points aredesigned to facilitate ease of foldability while maintaining padthickness conducive to urine separation and baby comfort. In someinstances, urine flow through the permeable gaps associated with thepivot points can be achieved.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad has supportingelement and connecting elements with rounded edges, arcuate tops, orboth, to facilitate urine being directed through the permeable gaps.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includes supportelements and connecting elements that form a reticulated herringbonearrangement that can provide for aesthetics, comfort, permeable gaps ofsufficient size to facilitate urine flow to the liquid-separating layer.

In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad includesconnector elements providing one or more of strength and structurebetween the other elements and borders, while also providing forsufficient gaps to facilitate urine flow through to theliquid-separating layer.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad has a flatbottom surface providing sufficient surface grip while retainingsufficient permeable gaps to facilitate urine flow through to theliquid-separating layer. The foldable perforated changing pad's flatbottom can be a portion of the foldable perforated changing pad's bottomsurface, or the entire foldable perforated changing pad's bottomsurface.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad obtains a degreeof flexibility allowing it to curve with or fit into changing padtables. This flexibility further allows for ease of fit in thedishwasher, or into a backpack for portability. In some instances, thefoldable perforated changing pad is made completely or primarily ofsilicone or a material with similar flexibility, waterproof, heatresistant, and strength characteristics.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includes anexterior panel border, and interior panel border, or both, allowing forattachments for hanging the foldable perforated changing pad, addingclosures for when folded if desired, or the like. The border can be ofthe same material as the rest of the pad, with similar dimensions as thepieces of the herringbone arrangement, other than the length, which willinstead run the length and width of the foldable perforated changingpad.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad including: a first panel; a second panel; asupport element; and a pivot element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad further including a connector element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the first panel includes a plurality ofpermeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein at least one of the first panel, thesecond panel, the support element, or the pivot element includessilicone. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a firstpanel. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a second panel.The foldable perforated changing pad may include a support element. Thefoldable perforated changing pad may include a pivot element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the pivot element is domed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the support element is arcuate.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the first panel includes a flat bottomsurface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein a support element height is equal to orgreater than a connector element height.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad including: a first panel; a plurality of supportelements; a plurality of support connectors; a plurality of pivotelements; a first plurality of pivot connectors; and a second panelcoupled to the first panel by the first plurality of pivot connectors.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements andplurality of support connectors, in combination, include a firstreticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein at least a portion of the firstreticulated structure includes a herringbone arrangement.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the first reticulated structure includesa first plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements, thefirst plurality of pivot connectors, and plurality of pivot elements, incombination, include a second reticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the second reticulated structureincludes a second plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad further including, a third panel coupled to thefirst panel by a second plurality of pivot connectors.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements, thesecond plurality of pivot connectors, and the plurality of pivotelements, in combination, include a third reticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the third reticulated structure includesa herringbone arrangement.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein the third reticulated structure includesa first plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein at least one of the plurality of pivotelements is domed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldableperforated changing pad wherein at least one of the plurality of supportelements is arcuate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentdisclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. Inthe appended figures, similar components or features may have the samereference label. Further, various components of the same type may bedistinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a foldable perforated changing pad.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG.1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a baby contacting the foldableperforated changing pad of FIG. 1 , that foldable perforated changingpad engaged with a liquid-separating layer.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a first panel, a second panel, andconnecting pivot points of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG.1 .

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a first panel, a second panel, and connectingpivot points of the foldable perforated changing pad portion of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a partially folded side view of the foldable perforatedchanging pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is another partially folded side view of the foldable perforatedchanging pad of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a fully folded side view of the foldable perforated changingpad of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, theinstant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in thespecification are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Inaddition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as usedin the specification, are interchangeable with and have the same meaningas the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used inthe specification is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.”

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” “approximately,”“nearly,” or the like, it will be understood that the particular valueforms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpointsof each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the otherendpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 3 , some embodiments of thefoldable perforated changing pad 100 include one or more permeableperforated panels 105, 110, 115. In some embodiments, the foldableperforated changing pad 100 is rectangular. In other embodiments theshape is other than rectangular, such as oval, polygonal, and the like,where the desired size and shape are such that the foldable perforatedchanging pad 100 can support at least a portion of the baby in relationto a liquid-separating layer. In some embodiments, the width and lengthof the foldable perforated changing pad is such that it can effectivelyengage liquid-separating layers, such as absorbent pads. In someinstances, the width of the foldable perforated changing pad is between12 cm and 50 cm and the length is between 30 cm and 89 cm.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the foldable perforatedchanging pad 100 is deployed between a baby 410 and a liquid-separatinglayer 405 such that the baby 410 is supported on a plurality ofsupporting elements 125, the supporting elements 125 maintain a gapbetween the liquid-separating layer 405 and the baby 410 such that thebaby 410 does not come in contact with fluids received by and held inthe liquid-separating layer 405. In some embodiments, the foldableperforated changing pad 100 is configured to engage accessories, suchas, for example, retention straps 415.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, supportelements 520, support connector elements 525, pivot elements 530, pivotconnector elements 535 and panel borders 505, 510, 515 form a permeablereticulated structure. Support elements 520 are integrally coupled toone or more support connector elements 525 which support connecterelements are then further integrally coupled to other support elements520 or panel borders 515, 510, 515. Connector elements can be between 1mm wide 5 mm wide, and between 2 mm long and 20 mm long. Supportelements can be between 1 mm thick and 10 mm thick. In someimplementations, connector elements are separated from one another by adistance between 2 mm and 20 mm.

In some instances, one or more of the support elements 520, supportconnector elements 525, pivot connector elements 535 and panel borders505, 510, 515 have an arcuate upper surface and a flat bottom surface.In some embodiments, the pivot elements 530 have a domed upper surface.Pivot element diameter can be between 5 mm and 15 mm. In some instances,pivot point thickness is between 3 mm and 10 mm.

The reticulated structure can include permeable gaps of varying sizes540, 545. In some instances, permeable gaps are of a size that bothallow for unobstructed flow of urine through to the lowerliquid-separating layer while also facilitating overall material padstrength surrounding the permeable gaps. In some instances, these gapsare approximately 2 mm wide and 4 mm long. In other instances, they are15 mm wide and 20 mm long. In other instances, they are between 2 mmwide and 14.9 mm wide, and between 4 mm long and 20 mm long. in someinstances, the foldable perforated changing pad is between 3 mm thickand 10 mm thick.

In some embodiments, the exterior panel borders 505, 510 are positionedalong a line that continues from one end of the foldable perforatedchanging pad 130 to the other end of the foldable perforated changingpad 135. Borders can be between 3 mm wide 15 mm wide. The border can bebetween 3 mm thick 10 mm thick. In some instances, the border hasrounded edges, arcuate tops, or both. In some embodiments, the interiorpanel border 515 continues a pattern, such as a herringbone arrangement.In some embodiments, the herringbone sections are between 3 mm wide and20 mm wide and between 8 mm long and 70 mm long. In some instances, theherringbone sections are between 3 mm thick and 10 mm thick. Eachherringbone section can include rounded edges, arcuate tops, or both. Insome instances, each supporting element of the reticulated herringbonearrangement is separated from one another by a distance between 2 mm and20 mm.

Interior borders can be integrally coupled to one or more pivot elementvia one or more pivot connector elements. In some instances, permeablegaps are formed by the configuration of the interior border 515, thepivot elements, 530 and the pivot connector elements 535 such that thepivot area between the interior borders 515 of two panels facilitatesthe flow of liquid away from the baby and towards the liquid-separatinglayer.

In some implementations, the connector elements 525, 535 are one or moreof a lesser height, lesser width, and lesser length as compared to thesupport elements, the pivot elements, or both.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , and FIG. 9 , some embodiments of thefoldable perforated changing pad 700 include two distal panels 110, 115,and one internal panel, 105. The two distal panels 110, 115, arepivotably connected to the inside panel 105 via one or more pivot points120 such that the panels can fold in various configurations andarrangements. For example, in some instances, a first distal panel 115can pivot in relation the inside panel 105 such that the upper surfaceof the distal panel 115 contacts the uppers surface of at least aportion of the upper surface of the inside panel 105. Further, the otherdistal panel 110 can pivot in relation to the inside panel 105 such thatthe upper surface of the other distal panel 110 contacts the bottomsurface of the previously pivoted distal panel 115.

In certain implementations, additional folded configurations can occur,such as a folded z-shaped configuration, where the other distal panel110 pivots in relation to the inside panel 105 such that the bottomsurface of the other distal panel 110 contacts the bottom surface of theinside panel 105.

Clause 1. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: a first panel;a second panel; a support element; and a pivot element.

Clause 2. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 furthercomprising a connector element.

Clause 3. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein thefirst panel comprises a plurality of permeable gaps.

Clause 4. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein atleast one of the first panel, the second panel, the support element, orthe pivot element comprises silicone.

Clause 5. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein thepivot element is domed.

Clause 6. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein thesupport element is arcuate.

Clause 7. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein thefirst panel comprises a flat bottom surface.

Clause 8. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 2 wherein asupport element height is equal to or greater than a connector elementheight.

Clause 9. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: a first panel;a plurality of support elements; a plurality of support connectors; aplurality of pivot elements; a first plurality of pivot connectors; anda second panel coupled to the first panel by the first plurality ofpivot connectors.

Clause 10. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 wherein theplurality of support elements and plurality of support connectors, incombination, comprise a first reticulated structure.

Clause 11. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 10 wherein atleast a portion of the first reticulated structure comprises aherringbone arrangement.

Clause 12. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 10 wherein thefirst reticulated structure comprises a first plurality of permeablegaps.

Clause 13. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 wherein theplurality of support elements, the first plurality of pivot connectors,and plurality of pivot elements, in combination, comprise a secondreticulated structure.

Clause 14. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 13 wherein thesecond reticulated structure comprises a second plurality of permeablegaps.

Clause 15. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 furthercomprising, a third panel coupled to the first panel by a secondplurality of pivot connectors.

Clause 16. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein theplurality of support elements, the second plurality of pivot connectors,and the plurality of pivot elements, in combination, comprise a thirdreticulated structure.

Clause 17. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 16 wherein thethird reticulated structure comprises a herringbone arrangement.

Clause 18. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 16 wherein thethird reticulated structure comprises a first plurality of permeablegaps.

Clause 19. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein atleast one of the plurality of pivot elements is domed.

Clause 20. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein atleast one of the plurality of support elements is arcuate.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the device and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the device and variousembodiments with various modifications as may be suited to theparticular use contemplated.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of a foldable perforated changing pad, it should bereadily apparent that a number of modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may beapplied to other foldable perforated changing pads. It will beunderstood that implementations are not limited to the specificstructures disclosed herein, as virtually any structure consistent withthe intended operation of a foldable perforated changing pad may beutilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular pivot pointstructures and herringbone defined perforations may be disclosed, suchstructures and perforations may comprise other shapes, sizes, styles,types, grades, measurements, materials, weights, and/or the likeconsistent with the intended operation of a foldable perforated changingpad.

The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications aswould fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forthin this document. The presently disclosed implementations are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that comewithin the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims areintended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: afirst panel; a second panel; a support element; and a pivot element. 2.The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 1 further comprising aconnector element.
 3. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 1wherein the first panel comprises a plurality of permeable gaps.
 4. Thefoldable perforated changing pad of claim 1 wherein at least one of thefirst panel, the second panel, the support element, or the pivot elementcomprises silicone.
 5. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 1wherein the pivot element is domed.
 6. The foldable perforated changingpad of claim 1 wherein the support element is arcuate.
 7. The foldableperforated changing pad of claim 1 wherein the first panel comprises aflat bottom surface.
 8. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 2wherein a support element height is equal to or greater than a connectorelement height.
 9. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: afirst panel; a plurality of support elements; a plurality of supportconnectors; a plurality of pivot elements; a first plurality of pivotconnectors; and a second panel coupled to the first panel by the firstplurality of pivot connectors.
 10. The foldable perforated changing padof claim 9 wherein the plurality of support elements and plurality ofsupport connectors, in combination, comprise a first reticulatedstructure.
 11. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 10 whereinat least a portion of the first reticulated structure comprises aherringbone arrangement.
 12. The foldable perforated changing pad ofclaim 10 wherein the first reticulated structure comprises a firstplurality of permeable gaps.
 13. The foldable perforated changing pad ofclaim 9 wherein the plurality of support elements, the first pluralityof pivot connectors, and plurality of pivot elements, in combination,comprise a second reticulated structure.
 14. The foldable perforatedchanging pad of claim 13 wherein the second reticulated structurecomprises a second plurality of permeable gaps.
 15. The foldableperforated changing pad of claim 9 further comprising, a third panelcoupled to the first panel by a second plurality of pivot connectors.16. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 15 wherein theplurality of support elements, the second plurality of pivot connectors,and the plurality of pivot elements, in combination, comprise a thirdreticulated structure.
 17. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim16 wherein the third reticulated structure comprises a herringbonearrangement.
 18. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 16wherein the third reticulated structure comprises a first plurality ofpermeable gaps.
 19. The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 15wherein at least one of the plurality of pivot elements is domed. 20.The foldable perforated changing pad of claim 15 wherein at least one ofthe plurality of support elements is arcuate.